SUNNY - BLOG TOUR and REVIEW: "Make It a Double" by Sawyer Bennett

BLURB:
Brody Markham has endured a nightmare, spending the last five years in prison and losing everything that was dear to him. Now he’s back home, trying to survive in a world he doesn’t recognize anymore. While his family and friends desperately try to reach through to him, he shelters himself further and further away from their love.

Alyssa Myers has worked her entire life to distance herself from the luxurious and privileged lifestyle in which she was raised. Running her non-profit agency, The Haven, she is content to spend her days helping abused animals find sanctuary, which fulfills her in a way that money just can’t buy.

Maybe it’s that she recognizes in Brody some of the same characteristics she sees in her homeless wards, but Alyssa is powerless to stop her personal quest to make Brody whole again.

While Brody struggles to surface from the darkness, Alyssa tries to protect her heart in case he’s not willing to accept the light that she offers him.

*MAKE IT A DOUBLE can be read as a stand-alone*

  

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REVIEW:

What is a hero?  For many of us, when we think of a hero we think of crime-fighting icons with superhuman powers and skin-fitting apparel (Yes, especially Henry Cavill in his dark blue tights.)  But what about the guy who has the super-human capacity to love and sacrifice?  In my book, that too is a definition of hero.  Meet Brody Markham. Wounded, he is just returned from prison.  He vacillates between wanting to be left alone and wanting to be back as a part of his family.  He's back in his home town, and he wants to be connected to his past but uncertain how he can move on.  

In comes Alyssa Meyers into his life.  Alyssa is best friends with Brody's sister-in-law.  Despite growing up in a privileged home, she rejects that lifestyle as cold and uncaring. Alyssa is full of life and pours all of her love and care into her animal rescue, The Haven. Anyone who is dedicated that much to animals surely has much love to give. 

This is what draws the two together.  And it is beautiful.  It is ferocious.  It is some of Sawyer Bennett's best work.  She has a keen ability to tap into a character's nobility, whether it is standing up for discarded animals or protecting the family.  At the end, I applaud our characters' sacrifices and sigh at their love story.  

IN A NUTSHELL:  I love this Last Call series.  I love the setting.  For me, it's almost a character unto itself.  I adore the characters.  I am entangled in their stories and I want to read more!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformedtrial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

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SUNNY - BLOG TOUR SPECIAL: Q&A with Lori Foster on the "Dash of Peril"

Welcome to the blog tour for Lori Foster's lastest in her Love Undercover series, Dash of Peril.  We are so privileged to have the author, Lori Foster, for a special Q&A. 
1. Tell us a little bit about your new release, Dash of Peril.

Readers met these characters in other books in the series, and little by little, they were drawn to each other. I don’t deliberately plan romances for my characters, so at first I wasn’t sure if they’d end up together or not - but I’m very pleased that they did!
Dash is brother to a police detective who works for Lieutenant Margaret Peterson, and it’s safe to say Margaret has never met anyone like him.

2.     How did you come up with the title?

My editor and I had been using hero names in the titles for a while. (That ended with this series, though.) I’m *terrible* with coming up with titles, so I left it up to my editor - who just so happens to be a Margo herself. Yes, I stole her name as Margaret’s nickname... and then she and I both had to blush our way through the sex scenes.

3.     When you come up with an idea for a novel, do you imagine it as a series or standalone? Do you think in terms of chapters? How do you envision the book?

I start a book with the opening scene and the knowledge that whatever happens, the story will end a “happily ever after” romance. That’s it. Usually everything else is up in the air. Occasionally, as one story is revealed so is another. For instance, I know going into the first book in this series that the hero had a partner who would get his own book. I didn’t at that time know the hero had a brother named Dash who would insist on telling his own story.

As far as chapters - mine are usually around 25 manuscript pages each and this helps me to pace myself. It’s a method and pattern that I’ve fallen into and it works for me.

4.     What was the defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a romance writer?

It feels like it was a gazillion years ago. I’d never done much reading, but then I was stuck in bed sick and my sis brought me over a paper bag full of romances. I flipped through the first one until I found a sex scene, then got so engrossed in the story I had to go back to the beginning to see how they’d gotten to that point.

In record time I went through that bag of books and became a romance novel addict. Very shortly after that I decided I wanted to write as well, so I could ensure the story always went exactly the way I wanted it to.  It took me over 10 written books across 5 years before I finally sold my first book.

5.     Amongst all the competition in the romance genre, why do you think your books are so popular?

Wow. Well, I never think in terms of competition. Every writer brings her own unique style to a story, and every accomplishment, whether it’s my own or another author’s, is a door that’s opened for all. Once you see it done, you know it can be done, and that’s a terrific thing for every author.

If I have to try to pinpoint what readers specifically like about my books, I’d say many of them can relate. I hear over and over again how the characters feel like real people - a compliment that thrills me! So even though there might be some unfamiliar plot situations - human trafficking, kidnapping, etc... - the readers can put themselves in the place of the hero or heroine and find common ground through attitudes, emotions, priorities and more.

6.     Do you have any say in what goes on the cover of your books? Do they model the men on the cover after your descriptions or do they base them on real models?

My publisher has been very generous in allowing me to contribute my thoughts to the final cover. I’m not at all involved in hiring the models, but I do give descriptions of how my characters look and any background/backdrop info needed.

I get to see the cover concept - which is basically stock art that gives an idea of how the cover will be staged. Often there’s text accompanying the concept saying things like, “The hero will not be a suit. He will be in jeans and a T-shirt. The backdrop will not be glass shelves but instead a brick wall.” Things like that, so that I can better visualize what they have planned.

Then the publisher hires models, does a cover shoot, and sends me the preliminary shot selected with tentative placement of text, such as my name, the title, any quotes, etc...
On occasion I’ve asked for changes, but usually the covers are just amazing and I’m happy.

For an upcoming cover, I loved, loved, loved everything - except that the model didn’t have chest hair. (I seriously beg for chest hair, because I have never written a guy without it.) The publisher was able to accommodate me and I’m over-the-moon thrilled with the final cover.

7.      What type of advice would you give to a struggling writer?

Finish books. Plural. Write and then write some more. Sure, you want to submit the finished product in hopes of a sale, but don’t wait around to see what happens. As soon as possible, start and finish another book. Then another. The biggest hurdle I’ve seen for new authors is discovering their own voices. There’s this tendency to rely heavily on a critique group of partners - which I’ve always considered a very bad idea.

There’s also a tendency to want a short cut. I can’t tell you how many unpublished authors I’ve heard from who say they’re having a hard time selling and want to know how to make it happen. Hello! I’m the wrong person to ask since it took me 10 books and 5 years to sell. I certainly don’t know any secret shortcuts!
But I can tell you that the end result is worth the time and trouble it took me to get there.

8.     Are there any special places that you like to frequent to clear your head and write?
I can write anywhere - and have - when necessary. But I prefer to write at one of my two desks, either at home or at our lake house. Either works. My desk at home faces the back of our property and our large pond so I can see the fish jump and the deer come up for a drink, the geese and heron, and the occasional fox or coyote.

My desk at the lake house faces the lake so I can see the same things I see at home, along with the boats that go by. I’m very drawn to nature and write best when I’m not cooped up in a hotel room.

9.     How long does each book typically take you to write?

That entirely depends on what’s going on in my life. Like most people, I have very few weeks without some sort of chaos. I’ve learned to adjust to that. But if there’s any serious illness in the family (immediate or extended family) or if I have a lot of travel obligations thrown in, that sucks up some of my energy. There are times where writing obligations overlap - like now. I’m trying to work on the next book, but I have THIS book out now, so there’s promo to do for it, like interviews and blogs and radio, etc... So I juggle.

Recently I wrote a short story over a weekend, but sometimes it can take me a month.
A single title usually takes me three months, give or take. Honestly, some stories and characters make it very easy, and others... not so much.

10.  Do you have any special rituals or habits when preparing to write?

I have my playlist (currently 121 songs) that I crank up. And I burn scented candles (floral usually, with my favorites being hyacinth and lilac) when I’m working on a book. Also, I snack. A lot. And it’s starting to show. I think I need to learn how to write on the treadmill!

11.  What are your other passions outside of writing?

Nature! I could spend every hour on the boat enjoying the sunshine and the scent of the water. We loving going to state parks like Hocking Hills or The Natural Bridge, hiking the trails and going through the caves, or just enjoying the trees.

I also love movies. I can sit in the theater every day if there are movies I want to see. I prefer horror and action flicks, and I can sometimes tolerate comedies. I’m not too keen on dramas or romances. :-)

12.  If you could run away with any one of your male characters, who would it be and why?
There’s a character none of you have met yet. Armie Jacobson. Just wait - I promise you’ll love him, too! He’s in Cannon’s story as a secondary character (No Limits, out August 26th) and from the moment he appeared, he won me over. He’ll eventually get his own book.

Of characters who’ve already been in print, probably Dare from When You Dare. I love his cover so much, but I also love how he loves. His pets, his friends, his mate - once Dare cares, he doesn’t hold back. He’s also big and macho and very capable. And he has a lake in his back yard.

13.  What is your all-time favorite romance novel?

Wow, that’s a toughie! There have been so many that I’ve loved, that there’s no way I can choose just one, but maybe one from several categories?
For historical romance, I’d say Honor’s Splendor by Julie Garwood.
For a contemporary read,  probably Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz.
Paranormal would have to be A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole.
YA would be Dare You To.
Category would be Mackenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard.

14.  If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Oh jeez, I never even think about that. If I found a typo I’d fix it…haha! But otherwise, I’ve already moved on. Since I turned in that book I’ve written 3 others (2 short stories and 1 single title) and I’m working on another single title. No time for regrets or looking back! At this point all I can do is hope readers enjoy it.

15.  Any future plans for Dash and Margo?

Oooh, now see, there have been plans, but you’ll see what happens in the next book and I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Let’s just say that Cannon’s book, No Limits, involves Dash and Margo a few times and you see how they’re getting on and how their lives have changed - always for the better. I never rob my characters of their HEA (Happy Ever After) once I’ve given it to them.  But beyond them showing up as secondary characters and giving us glimpses of their married life, I don’t plan to expound on them. They’re happy. That’s good enough for me!

SUNNY - BOOK REVIEW: "The Killing Game" by Toni Anderson

BLURB:

Wildlife biologist Axelle Dehn isn’t about to let anyone harm her endangered snow leopards—not the poacher intent on killing them, nor the soldier who wants to use them as bait. But Axelle is unknowingly entangled in a conflict that stretches back three decades, a conflict that could spark a war between two of the world’s great nations. 

​British SAS soldier, Ty Dempsey, is on a mission to hunt down an infamous Russian terrorist in a remote region of Afghanistan. Dempsey hasn’t failed a mission yet, but when Axelle is kidnapped by the Russian, he is forced to choose between duty and his heart. He risks everything to save the determined, prickly woman he’s fallen for, but in doing so sparks a deadly series of events that threaten to expose the most successful spy in history. A spy who will destroy anyone who gets in his way.

REVIEW: 

There are a lot of good romantic suspense books, but it is not always easy to find a GREAT story.  With the perfect balance of taut suspense and emotional tension, Toni Anderson delivers a truly fine read.  The writing is finely honed, so crisp and detailed that it makes the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan come alive. There are so many unexpected turns that I was literally clenching my Kindle. 

The two main characters are smart, strong-willed, and admirable.  Each has a underlying strength of purpose to serve and protect so this attraction comes as a surprise.  Neither is expecting the growing, sizzling attraction:  

"Somehow--inconceivably--he'd bonded with this fiercely independent woman.  They'd become partners in survival, and those feelings merged with desire in his head to create something mind-blowingly complex and yet utterly simple." 

Both characters are married to their jobs and have shunned personal relationships as too risky and unwanted. This reluctant past serves to drive up the sexual tension between them:

"He didn't know the last time he'd wanted a woman like this.  Like his brain was going to explode if he didn't have here, right her, right now. It was heart-pounding, skin-scorching, soul-blasting kiss, and he didn't wan't it to end."

I particularly liked the change of pace from American bred special op characters to the British SAS.  The team has a slightly different flavor and I appreciated the backstory of Ty's Irish background. Through Axelle's work, I enjoyed learning about wildlife preservation and the benefits and drawbacks of endangered species study and protection. 

IN A NUTSHELL:
This is a smart story.  This is a sexy story.  This is a well written story.  This is one of my favorite romantic suspense stories I've read all year. I wish there was more!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.  

SUNNY - BLOG TOUR AND CHARACTER INTERVIEW "Rustler's Heart" by Amanda McIntyre

Rustler's Heart
(The Kinnison Legacy Series, 
book 2)
by Amanda McIntyre

Blurb: 
Orphaned by tragedy, Rein Mackenzie was taken in by his benevolent uncle at the Kinnison ranch alongside two others abandoned at a young age. Now, he and his 'brothers' carry on Jed Kinnison's dream of making the ranch a haven for those who need hope. But when a woman arrives claiming to be related to the Kinnisons, she brings danger-not only to his heart, but to those he calls family.

Liberty's presence is a surprise to the family she's never met, and while she yearns to belong, she knows her presence is a reminder of their painful past. Fearless, she dives in, losing her heart to the ranch, to the community, and to an unexpected summer fling.

But when dangers from her past catch up to her, they may cost her everyone and everything she has come to love.

Available for purchase at

   

Interview with Rein MacKenzie

Have you ever wanted to sit down and talk to one of your “book boyfriends?” (Ok, maybe more than just talk) We were able to snag the hunkalicious Rein MacKenzie from RUSTLER’S HEART, to sit down for a minute and visit with us.

Q: Are you the oldest or the youngest of your brothers?

Rein: Hunkalicious?  Wait, are you talking physical years or mentally. (He laughs) Sorry, I am the youngest. Wyatt is the oldest, then Dalton and then me. But we often wonder if Dalton isn’t still stuck in his teens. He’s not around, so I can say that. He knows I love him, but I worry about him, too. He’s still wrestling with a lot of demons.

Q: It must have been hard to be raised alongside two guys that you’d never met before coming to live with your Uncle Jed.

Rein: Yeah (his expression sobers) It was hard. I was just a young teen. Dalton and I are only a couple of years apart in age. We were all still dealing with some pretty bad stuff that happened to us, but Uncle Jed was a man who felt that you should give back the blessings you’ve been given. He worked us hard, taught us what it was to take pride in a good days work, to look a man in the eye when you shake his hand. I think we were all looking for that role model, someone we could look up to, rely on. Jed was a good man.

Q: And it seems he raised some real good men.

Rein: Yes, ma’am. There was a very low tolerance with Jed. He didn’t let us get by with much growing up. We’re still a little rowdy and God help the man who crosses one of us—he’ll get all three.

Q: Let’s talk about the women in your life. Liberty Belle is a few years younger. I understand that was a problem for you at first, can you tell us why?

Rein: Liberty Belle (he chuckles) Yeah, at first I used the excuse that she was younger, and I used her looks, her past, just about every damn thing I could to keep from thinking of her. She was so different than other women I’d known. So secure in who she was. Independent. But the attraction between us was hard to deny for either of us and the fact that neither of us said we wanted any strings is what led to one hot and steamy summer fling. (Rein looks away as if in thought) Frankly, its during that time, that I began to realize I might be falling hard for this woman and that she had the ability to wound me—deep.

Q: Sounds like you found yourself between a rock and a hard spot--falling in love and knowing she had other plans for her future?

Rein: Yes, ma’am. Realizing that I had to let go or she’d get hurt and eventually, I’d get hurt was the hardest decision I’d ever had to make. Then there was that a**hole ex-boyfriend of hers who made life a living hell for all of us—nearly killing those I loved. But I suppose that’s part of the story best told in the book. Things are a little blurry for me about that night.

Q: Maybe it’s best to read the book and find out what exactly happened. I understand you were in the hospital for a time, true?

Rein: That’s right. Still recovering , in fact.

Q: Well, one last question, because readers want to know about the heroes in the stories they read. You’ve known many types of women, what do you find most appealing in a woman?

Rein: (smiles)

Q: Aside from the obvious.

Rein: You know Liberty could have my head if she reads this and that woman can be tough. (Which I won’t lie, I kinda like) A woman who keeps herself. I like a woman with curves, a quiet confidence, and a woman who understand the importance of kindness. Seems like being nice, being kind gets a bad connotation these days—like it’s a flaw or a weakness.

My Uncle Jed was one of the strongest, sometimes stubborn-to-a-fault men I knew, and yet he had a heart as big as a Montana sky. He engrained that into Wyatt, Dalton and me. He treated his ranch hands, his friends, and the community with kind respect. To me, a woman can be as gorgeous as a swimsuit model, but if she can’t see that kindness is really a sign of a strong, courageous person, she isn’t going to capture my interest for too long.

Kindness isn’t how you dress. It isn’t cocky. It’s not about the number of tatts you have, and it isn’t measured in status, wealth or popularity. It’s about being honest, humble, confident in yourself and giving back the blessings you’ve been given. (He shrugs) That’s the kind of woman I find most attractive. Fortunately, Liberty Belle has spoiled me for anyone else. Which reminds me, we’ve got a date to check out the old swimming hole and I’ve got just enough time to grab a couple of cold ones before I head down there. Been a pleasure, but gotta run!

Excerpt  

“I don’t have any issues with your sister, Dal, I just can’t let her push my buttons.” 

He started down the lane.

“Absolutely bro, unless you happen to like it.”

Rein stopped and looked over his shoulder, the flashlight illuminated Dalton’s wide smile. 

“For the record, I don’t.”

His brother shrugged. “Just sayin.’ Seems like you two spend an awful lot of time sparrin’ with each other.”

“You’ve had too many beers.” Rein waved away the comment. He didn't want to think any more about this tonight. He wanted to lose himself in his work. Do something constructive. Blow off some steam.

“I only had two and I've got eyes, Rein. Not sure what you think, but I can tell when a woman is interested in a guy.”

He refused to entertain the thought. Not tonight. “I’m going down to cabin three and do some work.”

“Hey, Rein, for the record. You should stop up to Betty's and see what she's done with the place. New uniforms, new menu, looks pretty good. Liberty has quite a talent.”

“I’m sure she did a fine job.”

“You know, you can be as hard-headed as her.”

“Kiss my ass, Dalton. See you in the morning.”

“Sweet dreams, bro. I’ll be up here in civilization, if you need me.”

He was in no mood to tolerate Dalton’s teasing. Rein trudged past her cabin, jerking his gaze away when he saw her pass by the window. She might well be talented in many ways, but the woman was trouble, a free spirit. She did not intend to stick around and that theoretically should please him, but it only frustrated him more. Dammit. He wasn't a loner like Wyatt. He was good with people, had friends. Maybe seeing Caroline again, realizing how enamored he’d once been of her, made him realize he wasn't ready yet for that type of commitment. Hell, maybe that was the one thing he and Liberty had in common. He had goals, his Uncle’s dream to finish. She wanted to start a new life. Neither of them appeared to want any strings.

And that scared the hell out of him.

About The Author

Amanda McIntyre grew up the daughter of a father who was a distributor for a New York magazine publishing firm, and usually had her nose stuck in the latest issue of Vampirella magazine or a Hitchcock Mystery paperback. She has been called  "a true artist in the writing realm' and her zest for life inspires her "character-driven" stories. Her passion is to take ordinary people and place them in extraordinary situations. She is a best-selling, multi-genre hybrid author and has received numerous awards and nominations for her work. Amanda is published internationally, in audio, e-book and in print. She currently writes sizzling contemporary cowboy romance and is about to release her first historical erotic thriller.

You can find Amanda here:

         

Giveaway

Winner's choice of eBook of either 

Rugged Hearts (The Kinnison Legacy #1) or Rustler's Heart (The Kinnison Legacy, #2)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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SUNNY: RELEASE EVENT "Make It a Double" by Sawyer Bennett

MAKE IT A DOUBLE

BY Sawyer Bennett

Last Call, #2

Adult Contemporary Romance
Released April 21, 2014

Hurray!  Brody and Alyssa are finally here!  Let's celebrate with a Happy Hour and a special Q&A with the Author. Make sure you scroll down to see the details!

Blurb:
Brody Markham has endured a nightmare, spending the last five years in prison and losing everything that was dear to him. Now he’s back home, trying to survive in a world he doesn’t recognize anymore. While his family and friends desperately try to reach through to him, he shelters himself further and further away from their love.

Alyssa Myers has worked her entire life to distance herself from the luxurious and privileged lifestyle in which she was raised. Running her non-profit agency, The Haven, she is content to spend her days helping abused animals find sanctuary, which fulfills her in a way that money just can’t buy.

Maybe it’s that she recognizes in Brody some of the same characteristics she sees in her homeless wards, but Alyssa is powerless to stop her personal quest to make Brody whole again.

While Brody struggles to surface from the darkness, Alyssa tries to protect her heart in case he’s not willing to accept the light that she offers him.

*MAKE IT A DOUBLE can be read as a stand-alone*

  

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.


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Join us at AToMR Tours facebook page for Happy Hour with the Last Call Bar! From 4pm-5pm EST we will be celebrating the release of MAKE IT A DOUBLE with giveaways, quizzes, and BRODY! Grab a drink (non-alcoholic for those under 21 years of age) and stop by!

Also, Sawyer Bennett will be doing a Q&A on Tuesday, April 22^nd at 8pm EST at Flawk.to. Come join in to the Sawyer Bennett session and look for AToMR’s Flawk sheep!